Hey guys, new to the forum. I've had IPhones since the first week they came out in 2006. I finally decided to leave the box and try a phone that I could do what I wanted to with it. However, I'm constantly getting discouraged with this phone. I searched and it would seem nobody else is having the problems I am having, so I am hoping someone on here will be able to point me in the right direction.
First things first, this phone is beyond better than any of my Iphones. As far as speed, capability, and function. And I haven't had one dropped call since I got it last week (knock on wood). Here's where the problems started. I can't get my Windows 7 to communicate with this phone at all. I spent hours on the phone with Samsung and they couldn't get my phone to sync at all. They told me that they don't have Windows 7 drivers available yet. I do however, have a Mac at home and am able to sync it up, but only as a mass-storage device. I would have thought that I would have gotten a disc or something with software for my computer. Guess I was looking for something like an ITunes setup where I could see everything on a list.
Using this as a mass-storage device works, but not as well as I would have liked. I downloaded a great App (Act 1 Video) and cannot see my thumb tabs. The designer of the app has been incredible, but he wants me to mount the SD card and delete the DCIM/. thumbnails directory. On my Mac I can't find what he is asking me to do and I am thinking it may be because I am only able to look at certain things on it.
I'll be very upfront by saying that I am not very technical with computers, but to not be able to sync on Windows 7 seems like a very big oversight on Samsungs part. I still think the phone is better than the Iphone, but if I can't get the phone to work like it should I will have to go back to the box and stay inside it with the IPhone. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Chris
Have you tried the Samsung Kies software?
I am on Windows 7 x64 and it works like a charm for me. I just can't plug into my front panel usb ports, so I use my keyboards powered USB and it works fine.
(If I plug into the front panel, my keyboard goes haywire, all of my LCD apps stop running and the keyboard falls into a disconnect/reconnect loop)
Other than that one small issue, the Kies software has worked very well for everything from Kies mode (for syncing) to debugging for adb and development.
Download the Canada version of Kies, here: http://img.samsungapps.com/support/Kies_1.5.1.10071_32.exe
Also, make sure any drivers you have tried to install in Windows 7 have been uninstalled, (you can do this by plugging in your phone and finding it in the device manager. Right click on it, and click uninstall. When the option to delete driver software comes up, check the box to confirm deletion of the driver upon uninstalling)
I have had zero problems with win 7 and the captivate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I tore my hair out with Kies as well until I plugged into the back USB ports on my computer. I was one of the first to discover this over on AndroidForums. I also discovered that the MTP Application (the app on the phone that enables USB syncing with Kies) won't work with LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher, so make sure you switch to TouchWiz before trying to use Kies.
Ok, I just switched the phone from Mass Storage to Samsung Kies. I turned off the USB Debugging and am downloading the software right now. The problem with plugging the phone is is that my computer doesn't even see it. It makes the USB connect sound and then when I go into My Computer it's not there. I'm going to try and connect to the back of my tower and see if that help. I have 32bit W7 and don't have ports in my keyboard. Thanks for the advise. I'll let you guys know if it works.
iLoki said:
Have you tried the Samsung Kies software?
I am on Windows 7 x64 and it works like a charm for me. I just can't plug into my front panel usb ports, so I use my keyboards powered USB and it works fine.
(If I plug into the front panel, my keyboard goes haywire, all of my LCD apps stop running and the keyboard falls into a disconnect/reconnect loop)
Other than that one small issue, the Kies software has worked very well for everything from Kies mode (for syncing) to debugging for adb and development.
Also, make sure any drivers you have tried to install in Windows 7 have been uninstalled, (you can do this by plugging in your phone and finding it in the device manager. Right click on it, and click uninstall. When the option to delete driver software comes up, check the box to confirm deletion of the driver upon uninstalling)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iphone came out in July 2007, not 2006.
I have windows 7 Professional 64 bit on my computer at home and it works perfectly fine with my phone. I've used adb to send commands to it. I've also mounted the internal sdcard memory and transferred files back and forth to it. You have to download the usb drivers for your OS, install them first, then plug the phone in. Or you could just download and install the entire Samsung Kies package.
But I'm not sure what you mean by syncing with your computer. Its not like the iphone where it syncs with an application (unless you have an HTC and download and run HTC sync).
I have not had any compatibility problems with the captivate on windows 7. I use 2 different computers between work and home and have not had issues with either. I do, however, have the android SDK installed on both machines. Noting this I must mention that I had trouble getting my Aria to sync until I installed the USB drivers from the SDK packages.
This being said, you should not have to go through the hassle of downloading extra drivers to make the phone work on your system. It SHOULD be hassle free.
I have had issues with videos not showing thumbnail views in the gallery. I don't consider this a functional problem so I have not looked into it but it is annoying and I will address it soon.
My wife is on her 2nd iPhone and I have gone from WinMo to Android. This phone is phenomenal and even she is now seeing the limitations put on her device. It will take a lot to pull me from Android from this point.
meatrocket said:
I tore my hair out with Kies as well until I plugged into the back USB ports on my computer. I was one of the first to discover this over on AndroidForums. I also discovered that the MTP Application (the app on the phone that enables USB syncing with Kies) won't work with LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher, so make sure you switch to TouchWiz before trying to use Kies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks because I liked Kies but switched to Launcher Pro.
chrisfast said:
Ok, I just switched the phone from Mass Storage to Samsung Kies. I turned off the USB Debugging and am downloading the software right now. The problem with plugging the phone is is that my computer doesn't even see it. It makes the USB connect sound and then when I go into My Computer it's not there. I'm going to try and connect to the back of my tower and see if that help. I have 32bit W7 and don't have ports in my keyboard. Thanks for the advise. I'll let you guys know if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - I could not use USB Debugging and Mass Storage at the same time until I installed Kies. Once Kies was installed, when USB Debugging was enabled, the phone defaulted to Mass Storage and everything worked great. You also don't need to put the phone into Kies mode to get it to connect after you install the software. The driver will still install, and you should hopefully be good from there.
Like the other posters above have said, if you're using a home replacement (ADWLauncher or LauncherPro for example) make sure you switch back to the stock TWLauncher (TouchWiz) before syncing with Kies with the phone in Kies Mode.
Good luck, I hope Kies does it for you, it did the trick for me.
I have Win7 x64 and it took me a full 4-5 days to get it to recognize my phone. I had the drivers installed from Samsung's site, but they would always fail when I plugged in my phone. Eventually someone let me in on Samsung's retarded joke - you have to use the back usb ports if you have a desktop. Works like a charm now. Also tested in WinXP and Vista x86, worked fine in both when using the back usb ports, crapped out and wouldn't recognize with the front ones.
try using Samsung Kies...
Ok, I have done everything that you guys have said, except switching to touch wiz. I don't know where that setting is in my phone. I have definitely made progress. My phone now shows a USB Connected Pic on the screen. My computer is realizing that there is something plugged in. And that's where the progress stops. I tell the phone to connect with Kies then I get an error message, "USB Not Recognized." It then says, "One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it." I'm starting to think there is something wrong with my phone's USB Port. Does that sound like something that could be causing all of this? Again, thanks to everyone who has chimed in.
Go to setting/application /manage app / look for launcher pro and clear defaults. Now press home and switch to TW launcher or download home switcher from the market. BTW try Doubletwist for your PC to sync your phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Dxtra said:
Go to setting/application /manage app / look for launcher pro and clear defaults. Now press home and switch to TW launcher or download home switcher from the market. BTW try Doubletwist for your PC to sync your phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this just keeps getting more interesting for me. I did what you said and Launcher pro is not on the list. Did I inadvertantly do something to my phone by having it connected to my Mac? Either this phone is beyond me (very possible), or there is software missing from it.
After you go to manage application PRESS MENU/ show all application now look for launcher pro or the launcher you currently using.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I had the same issues with usb which I was able to solve by moving the usb cable to the back of my computer. Not really sure why that made a difference but it was required for several other users as well.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I bought my Captivate on day one, and from my personal experience, I've have little/no need to put the phone in Kies mode. The only usable feature to connecting the PC is for USB debugging using the SDK, or to put stuff on the SD Cards (int/Ext).
Yeah, the Kies interface may look nice, but if you sync to google on your pc, then your phone should already be syncing to google as well without having to connect to your pc.
Also, I believe people have assumed that you may have another launcher and not realize that you may have a stock phone, which won't have Launcher Pro or anything other than the default TouchWiz UI.
All I've done was root, install ROM Manager to backup the phone, and am now waiting for FroYo. Otherwise, I love this phone.
You sir, have won a chicken dinner. I am indeed running the stock app, and my phone is stock. I did find TW Launcher in apps and cleared data. Boy was that stupid. I ended up erasing all of my app shortcuts. Guess I am back to stage one. So.........any other ideas?
djtama said:
I bought my Captivate on day one, and from my personal experience, I've have little/no need to put the phone in Kies mode. The only usable feature to connecting the PC is for USB debugging using the SDK, or to put stuff on the SD Cards (int/Ext).
Yeah, the Kies interface may look nice, but if you sync to google on your pc, then your phone should already be syncing to google as well without having to connect to your pc.
Also, I believe people have assumed that you may have another launcher and not realize that you may have a stock phone, which won't have Launcher Pro or anything other than the default TouchWiz UI.
All I've done was root, install ROM Manager to backup the phone, and am now waiting for FroYo. Otherwise, I love this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be afraid to do a factory reset on the phone. I had a ton of problems and finally last night I had had it and did a factory reset. Almost every one of my problems, down to GPS and poor battery life are MUCH better now. I think something just got screwed up on my phone.
Also, I echo what people have said about where you plug it in. I had something so simple as a USB extension from the back of my computer that I could plug my phone into, and it wouldn't recognize my phone with it (Windows 7). Sometimes I think I could get it to work a little, but transfer rates were very slow if I did. I plugged it directly in and it worked flawlessly. Oddly enough, I can plug it into a USB hub on my MacBook and it works fine, so I don't know why that is.
Ok, I've just about given up on this venture, but am willing to try a reset. Dare I ask how to do that? Also, am I going to loose all of my contacts, apps, and movies? Thanks for the advise.
AJerman said:
Don't be afraid to do a factory reset on the phone. I had a ton of problems and finally last night I had had it and did a factory reset. Almost every one of my problems, down to GPS and poor battery life are MUCH better now. I think something just got screwed up on my phone.
Also, I echo what people have said about where you plug it in. I had something so simple as a USB extension from the back of my computer that I could plug my phone into, and it wouldn't recognize my phone with it (Windows 7). Sometimes I think I could get it to work a little, but transfer rates were very slow if I did. I plugged it directly in and it worked flawlessly. Oddly enough, I can plug it into a USB hub on my MacBook and it works fine, so I don't know why that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like the gps to not automatically turn on when i put my phone in the car mount.
I think it does this to speed up gps lock when i actually use the navigation.
But it slows down the charging on my phone when i just dock it.
any ideas besides either turning off gps completely or turning off the car app?
Ideally i would like the gps to only come on when i use the navagation app.
thx
If you are rooted, I believe you can remove the HTC Car app without any ill effects. Then I believe you can download Google's Car Home from the market (which doesn't auto-enable GPS).
If you want to perform functions when an app launches, I'd look into Tasker or some other automation application.
What dock are you guys even talking about? There's an official dock? Link?
Also, is there a way to show the Car Home / HTC dock apps besides searching for them in the Google toolbar?
Google's Car Home isn't available in the market even though you click on it. I went on the computer and tried to install it through Android Market on the web, but it says it's not compatible for the TB. Use Custom Car Home instead. I like it so far!
I'm running Das BAMF 1.4 which has the Google Car Home built-in. You could probably download the zip, extract the app and use that.
66dude said:
Google's Car Home isn't available in the market even though you click on it. I went on the computer and tried to install it through Android Market on the web, but it says it's not compatible for the TB. Use Custom Car Home instead. I like it so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the apk and sideload it without going through any market...works fine.
I have the car dock from verizon (windshield or dash mount) and before i was rooted it would automatically open htc car dock mode, which you could not exit out of while docked, but i dont think gps was turned on automatically.
Now with das bamf google car home is included, and there is no issue with gps turning on for me.
What rom are you using if any?
I remember back in 2011 when I was working at Toshiba in Cyprus that they had a 10 inch Android laptop (no touchscreen), those type of devices seem to have been discontinued. On the same note, I wanted to convert my 2016 Sony Xperia Z5 compact smartphone into a desktop instead of throwing it away after it got dead zone on the touchscreen that keeps on getting worse and makes the device almost useless (The lighter piezo solution did not work for my device).
The 1st method is from videos that are available on Youtube that are not tested by me. The 2nd method is my own way that I tested on two devices. One is Running Android Lollipop 5 and one running Oreo 8. Each one has a different solution because the floating of any app option only works on Android Nougat 7 or above.
Method 1:
The below videos explain about benefit of using the dock. It requires purchasing a Dock and might only work with USB-C devices. There are many more videos available for this subject. The dock will also charge the device while in use. Tips from the 2nd method may improve some features for this method. I did not fully research this method as it can easily be researched by anyone because it is a readymade solution. You can research it further if it interests you to find out if your device will work well with this solution.
Videos on the dock solution
Method 2:
Not tested for gaming
The two devices that I tested this solution on are Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone 2014 model running Android Lollipop and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact smartphone 2016 running Android Oreo Custom ROM. Both devices have been rooted for maximum features. Both devices use micro USB connection so it might work differently with charging for USB-C devices. Results may differ with different devices and different versions of Android but I believe that it will work very similarly to mine.
Flagship devices should work well and should be able to support all the below requirements for this method.
Holder
To have the camera for video chatting or close to the face then you will need a phone / tablet holder like in one of the below links.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gritin-Phone-Stand-Adjustable-Holder/dp/B07C3MQYQV
or
https://www.amazon.com/Phone-Holder-Gooseneck-Stand-Recording/dp/B07JM5435F
External Screen
To display the Android device onto an external screen then you will either need a screen that supports screen mirroring or a Miracast device. Miracast include Chrome cast and any other screen mirroring dongles. I tested the method with Anycast version 1 and a Chromecast knock off one, it worked well on both of them. If you get the Error HDCP then it can be solved with an internet search and a rooted device. These devices come with two modes and only one of them will work with your Android device. Mircast uses HDMI and will send the image and the sound to the connected external screen wirelessly. (Compatible with any screen that supports HDMI connection, make sure that your device has screen casting support before purchasing).
If your device does not support screen mirroring, then you will need to purchase an original Chromecast device and connect it to the screen and install Google Home on your device and configure Google Home to detect the Chromecast device to use it. Chromecast will need to be configured in network mode and both devices need to be connected to the same LAN network. (It is possible that not all Android O/S systems can support this function).
Example on connecting VIA Google Home to Chromecast video:
Google Home might also be able to cast to other supported devices. Check the internet for more information on that if needed.
Keyboard and Mouse
For this you will need an OTG cable (OTG cable converts USB to micro USB or to USB-C connection) with a standard USB hub as well as the keyboard and mouse. Or you can also get the OTG hub that is a combo between the OTG cable and the USB hub. USB Wired or wireless keyboard and mouse should work normally.
On some devices the USB mouse and key board need to be connected before the device is turned on. USB mouse and keyboard can also work in TWRP recovery.
It should also be possible to just get the OTG cable with only the wireless keyboard and mouse that need only one USB receiver connection.
If there are issues for the device to detect the Mouse & keyboard then connect them before turning on the device.
On most devices the on screen keyboard will automatically stop appearing while the USB keyboard is attached. This can be controlled from the phone settings options.
If there are issues using the external keyboard then of the apps from the below links should resolve your issue as they are made for the external keyboard.
Null Input Method - Apps on Google Play
Get rid of the soft keyboard when using your bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Pro - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Demo - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
USB Storage
I tested this with USB flash drive and external USB drive and worked well with both. It is possible that not all the USB flash drives will work with the Android device. Sandisk did not work well on my devices but other models worked normally.
For USB flash drive. Connecting USB devices one by one might not work well enough. It sometimes will not work unless I connect all the devices to the USB hub and then connect it to the Android device while the device is on.
Connecting the USB external drive might need extra power. So plug the 2nd connection that comes with the external drive into either a USB device charger or a power bank. I recommend using this in all situations to avoid causing damage to the Android device. Connect the drive after the device has already loaded the O/S (The reason is explained under charging section below).
The apps in the below link are the best free app for browsing External USB devices. The app in the 1st link did not detect USB on Lollipop but it worked well on the newer Android O/S and the one in the 2nd link did not open on Oreo. So test both until satisfied. If you get the message that the drive is empty and needs formatting just ignore it and try the below apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.fileman&hl=en
http://www.estrongs.com/
Charging: It is not possible to charge and use the USB devices at the same time even if all are still connected (might not apply to USB-C Android devices, I don’t have one to test that on.) Connect the External USB drive that is using external power after the device is already on because it might start charging the device when the power is connected and if that happens then it will ignore the connected USB devices. It is an either or situation. Some devices have a 2nd way to charge the device, like a 2nd USB port or Qi charging (wireless charging). I was able to keep the Z1 compact charged with the 2nd option that it has.
Alternative all wireless connections
Android devices can handle 2-5 Bluetooth Devices simultaneously.
So it it possible to connect Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Bluetooth or Wireless storage device. This will allow to keep the phone charged while it is using all the external devices.
Printing
To be able to print from your phone then you will need to use the below option
The below video will show how to print from specific printers:
Print photos from Google photos App:
Google Photos - Apps on Google Play
The home for your memories. Relive, share, and organize your photos.
play.google.com
Create and print Documents from WPS App:
WPS Office-PDF,Word,Excel,PPT - Apps on Google Play
PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Form & Notes, powerful as Microsoft Office.
play.google.com
Apps for desktop mode
There are many available in the play store but I found the below to be the best amongst them.
SecondScreen - better screen mirroring for Android
SecondScreen App from the below link needs either a rooted device or an ADB command. The ADB command will appear after installing the app and loading the profile. Multiple profiles can be created with this app. This app has several features. Some of the features include changing the resolution and density of the screen as well as reducing screen backlight. The lower the density the higher resolution will be which is to fit more things on the screen. The device might do a soft reboot when loading and unloading the profile.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.secondscreen.free&hl=en
Taskbar
The below app is only useful on Android Nougat 7 and above because it has a feature that is called freeform that allows to float any app when it is launched from this app for multitasking. It is made by the same developers that created Secondscreen and has a feature in the Secondscreen app to auto launch when the profile is loaded.
Set this app as default launcher. It does not have an option to minimize the apps to taskbar. To restore apps to freeform after being maximized then go to recent apps and click on the 1st icon on the left.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar&hl=en
For Lollipop 5 & Marshmallow 6 devices. Use the app in the below link It works on newer Android devices as well. It will creates a landscape desktop with a taskbar and launcher. It comes with its own set of apps and more apps can be added from the 2nd link which contain the additional apps. Only the apps that are provided with this program can float and to open multiple apps on the desktop at the same time.
This app will lock the screen in Landscape mode. To get out of this mode you will have to turn off the features that are turned on during the setup process. You might also need to force stop the app. That can be done from settings or by installing a specific app for that like the one in the below link.
KillApps : Close all apps running
KillApps - Close all apps - Apps on Google Play
Close all apps running in background
play.google.com
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromium.os
Sentio Apps (Lollipop, Marshmallow)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.apps
The below link is from the same developer and made for newer Android devices to float any app for Nougat 7 or above but it did not work for me so you can try it if you want to.
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.desktop
Hanna Baggili (John)
Hey. I've been working on the same goals for years now. I see you used Sentio desktop app for the desktop experience. However, Sentio seems to have gone under. Their app store entry is gone, and their website doesn't function.
What would be your best alternatives for a desktop environment setup, SW & HW? If I want a large display, I prefer to Miracast to a compatible device.
It's 2022. What would be your setup now. FWIW, I use and *older* LG V20 running Android 8, which is almost perfect for me (albeit not 'waterproof'). I have desire to upgrade to newer phones, with much more invasive versions of Android, tracking everyone and everything. Plus, screen casting (Miracast) isn't crippled as it now is in newer versions of Android.
Your choices?
I did not use all the apps for my setup that are in the guide. The provided solution is a general solution that I tested and works well.
Any app that is no longer in the Google play store can still be found online, in other non-official app store.
I did not test the solution for the later versions of Android.
From my own experience I found that the best Android version for the Android Desktop PC is Android 7.
What version of Android did you try your solutions on?
You can always check if there is a docking station for the phone that you want to use as a desktop. Take a look at YouTube videos in regards to that and consider it for your setup.
I did the conversion because I am an IT guy and lost the use of my phone. So I then converted it to a desktop and for the fun of it. I tested it on the older model that I have.